European Commission clears Dow/DuPont merger, subject to conditions

In a joint statement, the two companies said the merger is expected to close in August 2017, with ‘spin-offs’ within 18 months of closing.

Herbicides for cereals

Dow will also divest certain petrochemical products to preserve effective competition.

"Dow and DuPont are committed to maximizing the tremendous value creation potential of the merger and anticipated spins," said Alexander Cutler, lead director, DuPont.

"Our review will provide an in-depth look at the portfolio mix and alignment across divisions to ensure we capitalize on all value-enhancing opportunities.

“The output of the review will be an immediate focus for the DowDuPont Board following merger close. If the results of our review demonstrate there is net greater long-term value creation to be realized through a change in the portfolio, it will be pursued."

The parties will divest a significant part of DuPont's existing pesticide business, including: herbicides for cereals, oilseed rape, sunflower, rice and pasture and insecticides for chewing insect and sucking insect control for fruits and vegetables.

Also, an exclusive license to DuPont's product for rice cultivation in the European Economic Area to address concerns relating to fungicides and DuPont's global R&D organization, with the exception of a few limited assets that support the part of DuPont's pesticide business, which is not being divested.

The decision was announced after the European Commission had concerns the merger would have reduced competition on price and choice in a number of markets for existing pesticides and reduced innovation to improve existing products and to develop new active ingredients.

Packaging and adhesives

"Pesticides are products that matter – to farmers, consumers and the environment,” said Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner in charge of competition policy.

“We need effective competition in this sector so companies are pushed to develop products that are ever safer for people and better for the environment.

“Our decision ensures the merger between Dow and DuPont does not reduce price competition for existing pesticides or innovation for safer and better products in the future."

It also had concerns due to the combined market shares of the two companies acid co-polymer market, where the number of competitors would be reduced from four to three and DuPont's dominant position in the ionomer market which is used in packaging and adhesive applications.

Jeff Fettig, lead director, Dow, said both companies have undertaken significant preparation work in advance of the close.

"As a collective board we are committed to delivering maximum, long-term shareholder value by ensuring each of the intended companies will have clear focus, an appropriate capital structure, a distinct and compelling investment thesis, scale advantages, and focused investments in innovation to better deliver superior solutions and choices for customers," he added.

In regards to the acid co-polymer market, Dow will divest two manufacturing facilities for acid co-polymers in Spain and the US and a contract with a third party through which it sources ionomers that it sells to its customers.